Nikon Z 7 Technical Guide Images Edition - Page 4

Sharpening and Softening Images, Continued Step 2: Fine-Tune "Sharpening", "Mid-Range Sharpening", and "Clarity" After using Quick sharp to obtain the desired overall look, you can finetune the results using Sharpening and its sisters. The examples below show how to soften the complexions of portrait subjects while leaving their eyes clearly visible. The recommended settings for images destined for printing vary with output size. Original (Taken with the "Standard" Picture Control) Quick Sharp: −2 ("Softer") Sharpening 3 The table lists the default values for Sharpening −0.5 Selecting −2 for Quick sharp soft- Mid-range sharpening 2 the Standard Picture Control. Mid-range sharpening −1 ens the complexion of the portrait Clarity 1 Clarity −1 subject. A3 Output Viewed at a Distance of 60 cm (2 ft) A1 Output Viewed at a Distance of 60 cm (2 ft) Sharpening 2 Mid-range sharpening 1 Clarity −1 Sharpening and Mid-range sharpening have been increased so that the eyes are clearly defined, while Clarity has been left at −1 to keep the complexion smooth. Sharpening 3 Mid-range sharpening −1 Clarity −1 Sharpening has been raised to 3 so that the eyes are clearly defined, while Mid-range sharpening and Clarity have been left at −1 to keep the complexion smooth. Choosing Picture Control Settings Based on Output Size How an image appears when viewed from a given distance varies with the output size: • When pictures are printed or displayed at a large size, small details will be visible. Most adjustments should therefore be made using Sharpening, which effectively softens or sharpens fine elements. • When pictures are printed or displayed at a small size, small details are not visible. Most adjustments should therefore be made using Clarity, which has its greatest effect at the borders between the main subject and the background. 4